Connector plate coil support

ABSTRACT

The apparatus includes a conveyor table having press heads mounted on opposite sides. Coils of connector plate stock having prepunched integrally extending teeth feed upper and lower press platens movable toward one another to substantially simultaneously cut the connector stock to predetermined lengths to form connector plates and embed the teeth of the connector plates on opposite sides of joints formed by wooden frame members disposed on the conveyor between the press heads. Upon completion of the pressing operation, a feed mechanism locates predetermined lengths of connector stock between the press platens for the next cut and embedment operation. Selectively extensible and retractable stops are provided on the conveyor table and press heads against which respective webs and chords of the frame being fabricated are butted to locate the same in position forming a completed frame. Clamps on the conveyor press the chords against the web ends while the connector plates are embedded in the joints.

United States Patent [1 1 Jureit et a1.

[451 Oct. 7, 1975 CONNECTOR PLATE COIL SUPPORT [73] Assignee: AutomatedBuilding Components,

Inc., Miami, Fla.

[221 Filed: Apr. 19, 1974 Appl. No.: 462,444

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser, No. 317,095, Dec.20, 1972,

abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl. 242/1; 206/338; 242/55; 242/74; 242/77.l [51] Int. Cl B65h75/28 [58] Field of Search 242/74, 77, 77.177.4,

Herschmann 206/343 Berg 227/80 Primary Examiner-John W. l-luckertAssistant Examiner-John M. Jillions Attorney, Agent, or Firm-LeBlanc &Shur [5 7] ABSTRACT The apparatus includes a conveyor table having pressheads mounted on opposite sides. Coils of connector plate stock havingprepunched integrally extending teeth feed upper and lower press platensmovable toward one another to substantially simultaneously cut theconnector stock to predetermined lengths to form connector plates andembed the teeth of the connector plates on opposite sides of jointsformed by wooden frame members disposed on the conveyor between thepress heads. Upon completion of the pressing operation, a feed mechanismlocates predetermined lengths of connector stock between the pressplatens for the next cut and embedment operation. Selectively extensibleand retractable stops are provided on the conveyor table and press headsagainst which respective webs and chords of the frame being fabricatedare butted to locate the same in position forming a completed frame.Clamps on the conveyor press the chords against the web ends while theconnector plates are embedded in the joints.

7 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures US. Patent Oct.- 7,1975 Sheet 1 of 93,910,5 12

FIG. I

Sheet 2 of9 3,910,512

U.S. Patent Oct. 7,1975

US. Patent Oct. 7,1975 Sheet 3 of 9 3,910,512

US. Patent Oct. 7,1975 Sheet4 0f9 3,910,512

U.S. Patent Oct. 7,1975

FIG. 9b

Sheet 5 of 9 E [if i FEW J mamm- US. Patent Oct. 7,1975 Sheet 7 of 93,910,512

CONNECTOR PLATE COIL SUPPORT This application is a division of copendingapplication Ser. No. 317,095 filed Dec. 20, 1972, now abandoned.

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for formingwooden frames and the like and particularly relates to apparatus andmethods for providing discrete connector plates of the type havingprepunched integrally extending teeth from coiled strips thereof andsubstantially simultaneously embedding the plates into the oppositesides of joints of prepositioned wooden members to fabricate a frame orthe like. The present invention also relates to the coiled connectorplate stock used in the frame fabricating apparatus hereof.

It is currently common practice to utilize connector plates of the typehaving integrally struck teeth to form the joints between the variousmembers comprising a wooden frame. For example, connector plates ofvarious sizes and widths, depending upon the structural requirements ofthe frames, are commonly embedded in the joints of wooden roof trussesand truss-type floor joists. An example of such connector plates isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,520 of common assignee herewith. Toaccomplish the foregoing, it is typical industry practice for a framefabricator to preposition percut wooden members on a jig table in theform of the desired frame and spot precut connector plates on oppositesides of the frame joints. The fabricators then utilize various methodsfor embedding or pressing the teeth of the connector plates into theopposite sides of the joints to form the completed frame. An example ofa fabricating system of this type is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.3,602,237 of common assignee herewith. In that patent, precut connectorplates are spotted on a jig table on the opposite sides of the jointsformed by the prepositioned wooden members, the jig table being thenstepped through a press position whereby the joints are successivelylocated between the platens of the press and the connector platescarried thereby embedded into the joints. ln U.S. Pat. No. 3,603,244,also of common assignee herewith, the press is moved along the jig tableand is automatically stopped at each joint position to embed theconnector plates.

Currently, connector plates are provided frame fabricators in varioussizes either out exactly to the length required or in discrete sizesconstituting a multiple of the required lengths. The fabricator cutsthese latter longer connector plates to form connector plates of therequired lengths. These connector plates, hereinafter sometimes referredto as bar stock, are very often packed by a supplier in one of two ways.The bar stock is either tumble-packed, i.e., the connector plates beingrandomly disposed in a box, or packed in teeth-to-teeth relation, i.e.,paired connector plates in teeth-to-teeth facing relation. It will beappreciated that teeth-toteeth packaging requires extensive manual laborto orient the discrete plates in proper position for such packaging.Tumble packing also requires a degree of labor to complete the packagingprocess and has the additional disadvantage of low density packaging.Furthermore, the fabricator, upon receiving the packages of connectorplates, must unpack the plates and individually spot the plates at theirproper locations as previously discussed. Where the connector plates areprovided in multiples of the desired lengths, the fabricator must, ofcourse, additionally cut these longer connector plates to the desiredlengths prior to spotting. Thus, the current practices in providingconnector plates to a frame fabricator and his handling of such platesup to final securement thereof in a frame requires considerable labor,time and expense.

It has therefore been found desirable to provide novel apparatus andmethods for handling connector plates of this type and to provide novelapparatus and method for fabricating wooden frames and the like.Generally, the present invention provides novel and improved coiledconnecting strips or stock of the type having teeth struck integrallytherefrom whereby previously noted and other problems associated withhandling connector plates are minimized or eliminated and also providesnovel and improved apparatus and meth ods for utilizing the coiledconnector stock by afabricator including apparatus and methods forsubstantially simultaneously cutting connector stock to the requiredlengths to form connector plates, locating the plates on opposite sidesof the joints of the frames, and embedding the teeth of the connectorplates into such joints. The following description of a coiled connectorstrip or stock and frame fabricating machine relates to an embodiment ofthe present invention particularly useful for fabricating woodenpallets. It will be appreciated, however, that the methods and apparatusas described herein can be utilized in the fabrication of a wide varietyof wooden frames and the like including but not limited to trusses, wallpanels and truss-like floor joists. With respect to the specificembodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, there is providedgenerally a machine for fabricating pallets adapted to carry coils ofconnector stock of the type having teeth integrally struck therefrom andwhich coils constitute a magazine from which the connector stock is fedto the machine. The machine is provided with a feed assembly whichunwinds the coils and advances leading portions of the coils discretedistances toward a press-cut-off assembly, each advance corresponding indistance to the length of the connector plate desired. At eachpresscut-off assembly, two discrete lengths of connector strip are cutfrom the connector stock and the teeth of the connector plates thusformed are substantially simultaneously embedded into the opposite sidesof the joint of prepositioned wooden members forming a part of the framebeing fabricated.

More particularly, the pallet machine disclosed herein includes aconveyor mountingupper and lower press head assemblies on C-frames onopposite sides of the conveyor. Each press head assembly includes aplaten, upper and lower platens being located on opposite sides of theframe members on the conveyor and movable toward and away from oneanother. Stops are carried by the upper press head assemblies foraligning the chords in a pressing position. Stops are carried by theconveyor between the press-cut-off assemblies on opposite sides of theconveyor for aligning the first and second webs in respective pressingpositions. Clamps carried on the conveyor squeeze the chords against theends of the webs. Each press platen carries a cutting blade whichcooperates with a fixed cutting blade to cut a selected length ofconnector plate from the coiled connector stock fed to such press headassembly by the feed assembly. The upper and lower press platens carrythe connector plates for embedment into the joint during the finalportions of their movement toward one another.

Generally, to complete a frame, the. chords and webs are disposed on theconveyor with the cord ends butting the stops carried by the upper presshead assemblies and the first web butting the stops carried by theconveyor between the press-.cut-off assemblies. Upon actu-.

ation, the upper and lower press platens toward one another cuttingpredetermined lengths of connector plates from the connector stock. Theupper and lower platens carry the plates for embedment into the oppositesides of the joints during the final portions of their strokes. Uponretraction of the platens, the stops for the chords and web are alsoretracted. In this manner, the partially completedframe comprised of twochords and a first web may be advanced along the conveyor. Particularly,this three-part pallet is advanced by a power roller until the first webbutts stops carried by the conveyor spaced at distance from the pressheads corresponding to the length of the frame whereby the trailing endsof the chords are located between the pressplatens. The second web ismoved forwardly with the three-part frame until it butts the web stopsin line with the press heads whereby the second web is located betweenthe trailing ends of the frame and in a pressing position. As thepartially completed frame is advanced and after the first cutting andpressing cycle, the feed mechanism advances the connector stock towardthe press head assemblies to locate predetermined lengths thereofbetween the press platens. Once the trailing web and the chords arepositioned between the press head assemblies, the press platens areagain actuated to cut connector plates from the stock and embed theteeth thereof into the opposite sides of the joint on opposite sides ofthe conveyor.

It will be appreciated that significant material handling problems areencountered withrespect to connector plates particularly in view of theprojecting teeth thereof and that such problems are solved by thepresent invention in the provision of coiled connector plate stockcompatible with a machine which substantially simultaneously cuts thestock and embeds the connector plates thus formed into the joints of aframe. Features of the present machine include the provision ofcomb-like guides on tines on the fixed cutting blades, and in the feedmechanism whereby the machine is vir tually jam-proof. The teeth of theconnector stock engage in the grooves between the tines and guidesurfaces on the opposite sides of the stock from the teeth maintain thestock between the guide surfacesand the edges of the tines. Thus, onlylongitudinal feeding movement of these stock is permitted with the stockbeing held against lateral movement by the tines and against movementwithdrawing the teeth from between the tines by the guide surfaces. Afurther novel feature of the present invention resides in the feedmechanism which not only insures that the connector plates are cut tothe desired predetermined length .but also that the connector stock iscut at a longitudinal location be tween its teeth. From US. Pat. No.2,877,520, it will be noted that connector plates are provided withteeth arranged in both longitudinal and transversely extending rows. Itis important that a transverse row of teeth not be aligned at thejuncture'of the fixed and movable cutting blades so that the teethper'se are not sheared or weakened by the shearing process. It will beappreciated that connector plates do nothave identical tooth to-to'othspacing in a longitudinal direction. Thatis to say. an inherentcharacteristic of a connector plate or stock of thistype is that theteeth are spaced from their theoretical longitudinal positionsprogressively further distances in proportion to the length of the stockbeing fabricated. Accordingly, cumulative error in the longi tudinallocation of the transverse rows of teeth would result in locating onesuch row of teeth between the fixed and movable cutting blades. In themachine hereof however, theconnector stripis always cut ata locationsuch that the cutting blades shear through the connector plate per sewithout engaging any teeth. To

accomplish this, a pilot pin is inserted between a pair of transverserows of teeth prior to each feed to longitudinally adjust the stockrelative to the cutting blades to ensure that the teeth are not alingnedtherewith. The slight error in the location of the teeth relative to oneanother over the small length of plate between the pin and cuttingblades is insignificant and the cut is thereby made. substantiallymedially between next adjacent transversely extending rows of teeth.Thus, the teeth on the opposite sides of the cut remain effective inboth the connector plate just formed and the next connector plate to beformed.

A further important feature of the present invention resides in theprovision of a fixed cutting blade having a comb-like surface, i.e.,tines. The teeth of the connector stock are received between the tinesand the ends of the tines support the plate during the shearingoperation. The tines thus provide the reaction force for the cuttingoperation.

A still further important feature of the present invention resides inaccurately locating the plate in the joint. It will be appreciated thatthe plate when cut from the stock tends to first bend away from themovable cutting platen and then jumps from the platen and stock whenfully sheared. therefrom. To prevent this, the present inventionprovides a device for holding the plate when it' is sheared from thestock. The device includes a dovetail notch or groove carried on themovable cutting blade and a corresponding dovetail projection carried onthe fixed blade. When the plate is cut from the stock, a dovetail notchis formed along its trailing edge end of the plate from bending awayfrom the moving1 platen when cut, a magnet is located on the platen tohold the plate thereagainst. Spring-biased plungers or spring clips mayalso be utilized on the platens to provide lateral support for theconnector plate. These 10- cators ensure that after each plate is cutfrom the connector stock, it is carried to the joint and locatedprecisely relative thereto.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to providenovel and improved apparatus and methods for fabricating wooden framesand the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide novel andimproved methods of packaging connector plates for use by wooden framefabricating .ap paratus.

.It is still another object of the present invention to provide noveland improved apparatus and methods for substantially simultaneouslycutting the connector 7 plates of the type having integrally struckteeth from'a.

coiled strip thereof and embedding the teeth of the connector platesinto the joint of a wooden frame.

It is a related object of the present invention to pro vide novel andimproved apparatus and methods for applying connector plates of the typehaving integrally struck teeth of the opposite sides of wooden framesand the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel andimproved machine for fabricating wooden frames and the like andincluding a novel feed mechanism for accurately aligning the connectorstrip with the cutting blade of the machine.

It is related object of the present invention to provide a novel andimproved machine for manufacturing wooden frames and the like having theforegoing characteristics and including a novel cutting blade forsupporting the connector strip being cut.

These and further objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent-upon reference to the following specification,appended claims and drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a wooden frame fabricating machineconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are end and side elevational views thereof respectively;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of a feed andpress assembly forming a part of the fabricating machine illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view thereof;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view thereoftaken about on lines 6-6, 77, and 88, respectively, in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged cross sectional view I illustrating themanner in which connector stock is cut to form a connector plate;

FIG. 9a is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view taken about online 9a-9a in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9b is a plan view of a joint formed by the plate P hereof;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a pneumatic circuit for use withthe fabricating machine hereof;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a hydraulic circuit for use withthe fabricating machine hereof;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of an electrical cir-. cuit for usewith the fabricating machine hereof;

FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of a reel for use in carrying theconnector stock;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view thereof; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the manner of fabricating apallet utilizing the fabricating machine hereof.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, there isillustrated a wooden frame fabricating machine constructed in accordancewith the present invention and generally indicated 10. Machine 10generally includes a conveyor 12, a pair of press assemblies 14 onopposite sides of conveyor 12, and a power roller assembly 16 for movingpartially completed frames along conveyor 12. With the exception ofvarious elements of power roller assembly 16, the fabricating machinehereof is symmetrical on opposite sides of the centerline of theconveyor and it will be appreciated that a description of the variousassemblages on one side of the conveyor centerline is also a descriptionof the like assemblages on the other side of the conveyor centerline.

Conveyor 12 includes a pair each of table and roller conveyor sections18 and 20 respectively on opposite sides of press assemblies 14, eachpair of sections 18 and 20 being symmetrical on opposite sides of theconveyor centerline. Table sections 18 are located on the woodenmaterial input side of the press assemblies 14 and each includes anelongated support base 22 having upstanding supports 24 at opposite endsand a table 26 carried by supports 24. Diagonal braces 27 are providedby supports 24 and table 26. A pair of lumber guide angles 28 aremounted along the outside edges of each of tables 18, the upstandingangles 29 facing inwardly toward the conveyor centerline. Guide angles28 are secured to tables 18 by releasable clamps 30 whereby angles 28areimovable in a transverse direction to vary the spacing betweentransversely opposed angles in accordance with the width of the woodenframe being fabricated. Mounted at the ends of tables 18 adjacent pressassemblies 14 are pneumatically actuated lumber clamps 32 each comprisedof an air actuated spring return cylinder 34 and a clamp head 36. Thelumber clamps 32 are similarly adjustably mounted on tables 18 formovement in a transverse direction whereby they can be positioned inaccordance with the width of the frame undergoing fabrication.

Each roller conveyor section 20 on the output side of press assemblies14 includes pairs of upright conveyor supports 38 at its opposite endsmounting at their upper ends transversely spaced rails 40. Rollers 42are mounted between rails 40 at spaced longitudinal positionstherealong. A pair of plates 44 and 46 overlie each roller section 20 atspaced longitudinal positions and each plate carries an adjustablelumber guide angle 28 similar to the previously described angles 28.Plates 44 in addition, mount lumber clamps 32 directly adjacent pressassemblies 14, clamps 32 being identical to the previously describedlumber clamps 32.

Power roller assembly 16 includes a transversely extending shaft 50which overlies roller conveyor sections 20 and mounts a pair of cushionrolls 52 for engagement with the upper faces of the lumber carried byroller conveyor sections 20. Opposite ends of shaft 50 are mounted insuitable bearings 53 carried on pressure arms 56 located on the outboardsides of conveyor sections 20. The opposite ends of each pressure arm 56is pivotally secured to a bracket 58 mounted on roller conveyor section20. On one side of the conveyor, a second pressure arm 60 is pivotallymounted to a bracket 62 also mounted on roller conveyor section 20 forpivotable movement about a like axis as pressure arm 56. Pressure arm 60carries a hydraulic motor 64, the output shaft of which is coupled tothe shaft 50 by means of a keyed flexible coupling 66. A spring 68 issecured between each roller conveyor section 20 and the pressure armcarried thereby. Rollers 52 are thus biased in a downward direction forengagement along the lumber disposed on roller conveyor 20.

As noted previously, press assemblies 14 are located between eachlongitudinally aligned pair of table and roller conveyor sections 18 and20 respectively. Each press assembly 14 comprises generally a C-frame 70carrying upper and lower press platens 72 and 74, upper and lowersupports 76 and 78 for the reels carrying coiled elongated sheet metalconnector strips (hereinafter sometimes referred to as stock S), a feed.assembly generally indicated 80 (see FIG. 4) and a. stock cuttingassembly 82 (see FIG. 4). Each C-frame' is mounted for movement towardand away from one another whereby wooden frames having various selectedwidths can be fabricated by the machine hereof. Particularly, C-frames70 are each mounted on 21 support assembly generally indicated82comprised of a transversely extending rectangular structural tubing 84mounting plates 86 along its top surfaceat its opposite ends. Tubing 84is supported by a base comprised of vertically inclined uprights 92.Each C-frame 70 comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced C-frame plates88, the lower ends of which mount clamps 90 which releasably clamp aboutthe opposite edges of support plates 86. Thus, the C-frames 70 aremounted for adjustable sliding movement toward and away from oneanother.

For reasons which will become clear, a center support assembly 96 iscarried by the central portion of tubing 84. Particularly, the centersupport assembly in cludes a table 98 located transversely between theC- frames 70 and at an elevation corresponding to the elevation ofconveyor sections 18 and 20. Table 98 is supported by uprights 100secured at their lower ends to tubing 84. Table 98 carries on oppositesides thereof air cylinder actuated web stop assemblies 102 includingpop-up shafts 103 for reasons which will become apparent from theensuing description. Conveyor sections 20 also carry along their inboardsides air cylinder actuated web stop assemblies 105 including pop-upshafts 107.

The reel supports comprise a pair of transversely spaced arms 103secured at one end to the outer edges of C-frame plates 88 and haveslots 104 at their opposite ends for receiving outwardly projecting pins106 carried by reel arbors 108. The reels include a hub 109 and sideplates 110, the hub 109 having a larger diameter than arbors 108. Inthis manner, the reel is offset downwardly with its center of gravitybelow itsaxis of rotation to provide a pendulum effect therebypreventing any tendency of the stock when its free end is fixed torotate the reel and become unwound.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the coiled connector stock S is fed from theupper and lower reels by the feedassembly 80 and toward the pressplatens 72 and 74. The feed assembly 80 is carried by a guide plate 118which is secured to the C-frame plates 88 directly by screws, not shown.The feed assembly 80is also supported by slide rods 114 carried on theouter sides of plates 88. The rods 1 14 extend from opposite sides ofguide plate 118 through bearings 119 on the outer sides of the C- frame.plates 88. Thus, feed assembly 80 can be unscrewed from the C-frameplates 88 and retracted along bearings 119 and remain supported by rods114 whereby total disconnection of the feed assembly from' the pressassembly, for example to obtain access to its various parts, is notnecessary. Guide 118, as best illustrated in FIG. 5, is slotted alongits upper and lower sides to receive the flangesof upper and lowerchannel shaped stock guide tables 120 and 122, respectively. Stock guidetables 120 and 12 2 extend toward the peripheries of the upper and lowerstock reels. and straddle, on upper and lower sides, a stock feedcylinder 124 which is threadedly connected at its forward end in guide118. Feed cylinder 124 carries a piston shaft 126 which is connected atits forward end to a stock clamp and feed assembly generally indicated128. Referring particularly to FIG. 4, a pair of brackets 130 aremounted on opposite sides of stock guide tables 120 and 122 andareslotted at their opposite ends at 132. Upper and lower entrance guiderollers 134 and 136 are disposed between the opposed ends of brackets 30and pins 138 carrying rollers 134 and 136 are received in the slots 132.Springs 140 are coupled betweenpins 138 whereby rollers 134 and 136 arebiased in a direction towards their respective tables to maintain thestock between the rollers and the tables.

Referring to FIG. 6, channel-shaped guide plates 142 and 144 areconnected to the upper and lower sides of guide 118 whereby guide plates142 and 144 form upper and lower passages 146 and 148 for receiving thestock enroute to the press platens. Each channelshaped stock guide plate142 .and 144 has a transversely extending bore 150 through one side?thereof and through which is received a pilot pin 152. The outer end ofeach pilot pin 152 is carried by a cylinder plate 154 which, in turn, ismounted on the piston shaft of a pilot cylinder 156. The pilot cylinder156 is se-- cured to the respective stock guides by cylinderbrackets158. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that extension and retractionof the pistons within the pilot cylinders 156 causes the pilot pins 152to retract and extend into the respective guide spaces 146 and 148 forpurposes as will become apparent from the ensuing de-- scription.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 4 and 7, thefeed clamp assembly 128includes a slide block 160 mounted on a pair of slide rods, 162 forsliding move ment between the full and dash lines position illustratedin FIG. 4. The rods 162 are secured at one end to guide 118. Slide block160 is recessed along its upper and lower sides as indicated at 164 and166 respectively and upper and lower jaws 168 and 170 are secured toslide block 160 on its opposite sides within the respective recesses 164and 166, The upper and lower sur faces of jaws 168 and 170 respectivelyare grooved in a longitudinal direction to form transversely spacedtines indicated 172 and 174, respectively. This to say, such surfacesform a longitudinally extending comblike surface which receive the teethof the connector stock as it is fed forwardly to the press platens- Inthis manner, the connector stock is maintained in a predeterminedlaterallocation. Mounted on opposite sides of slide 160 are upper andlower cylinder brackets 176 and 178 respectively. Each bracket iscounterbored to threadedly receive the ends of upper and lower clampingcylinders 180 and 182 respectively. Cylinders 180 and 182 mount grippers184 and 186 respectively on the ends of their respective piston shafts.It will be appreciated that extension of the grippers toward the op--posite jaws clamps the connector stock between the tines of the jaws andthe grippers. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the entrance ends of jaws 168and 170 are flared to facilitate entry of the stock through the clampassembly 128. The forward end of slide block160 carries an alignmentblock 184 which is stepped at its forward end for alignment between thespaced upper and lower cutoff blade mounting blocks 186 and 188respectively which-form part of thepress assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, blocks 186 and 188 are mounted betweenCframe plates 88 and mount upper and lowerplates i190 and 192respectively, which in turn, mount the fixed upper and lower cuttingblades 194 and 196. Plates 190 and 192 are suitably secured on oppositesides to the under and upper sides of the upper and lower mountingblocks 186 and 188 respec tively and are spaced therefrom to definerespective upper and lower stock passages 198 and 200. Plates 190 and192 as well as mounting blocks 186 and 188 are enlarged adjacent theentrance apertures to passages 198 and 200 to facilitate entry of thestock. Cutting blades 194 and 196 are each provided with a plurality oftransversely spaced tines indicated 201 defining grooves 202therebetween for receiving the teeth of the stock. That is to say, theblade 194 carries upwardly directed tines for receiving the downwardlydirected teeth of the stock passing through passage 198, the plateportion of the stock passing between the edges of tines 201 and thelower face of block 186. Likewise, the tines 201 of the fixed lowerblade 196 project downwardly whereby the grooves 202 receive theupwardly projecting teeth of stock passing through passage 200 betweenplate 192 and mounting block 188, the plate portion of the stock beingreceived between the edges of tines 201 and the upper face of block 188.The forward edges of tines 201 on each of the fixed lower and upperblades 194 and 196 form cutting edges whereby discrete upper and lowerplates may be sheared from the stock by the press platens in a manner tobe discussed. That is, the edges of the comb-like tines 201 on the fixedcutting blades form fixed reaction surfaces for cooperation with movablecutting blades whereby connector plates are cut from the stock S.

Referring to FIGS. and 8, the upper block 186 on each press assemblycarries an air actuated chord stop cylinder 197. The piston shaft 199 isextensible into and retractable from the space defined between upper andlower plates 190 and 192 whereby, when extended, shaft 199 serves as astop for locating each chord of the frame. Note that shafts 199 and 103of the web stop assemblies lie in transverse alignment one with theother.

Upper and lower press cylinder plates 210 and 212 respectively extendbetween the C-frame plates 88 and mount upper and lower press cylinders214 and 216 respectively. Cylinders 214 and 216 are threaded intobearing plates and the piston shafts respectively carry the upper andlower press platens 72 and 74. Platens 72 and 74 carry respectivecutting blades 218 and 220 for cooperation with the fixed upper andlower blades 194 and 196 to shear the connector strips S to the selectedlengths for use in the frame being fabricated. It will be appreciatedthat simultaneous extension of the pistons of the press cylinders 214and 216 moves the platens 72 and 74 toward one another whereby the endsof the stock are cut by the moving and fixed blades with the cutconnector plates being carried by the platens for embedding the teeththereof into the opposite sides of the frame parts between the pressheads in a manner to be described.

For maintaining accurate plate location after they have been cut fromthe strips, the cutting blades 218 and 220 of the upper and lower pressplatens each have a dovetail groove 211 centrally along its cutting edgeand rear face, i.e., the face thereof in opposition to the correspondingfixed blade 194 or 196. The fixed blades 194 and 196 each carry anoutwardly projecting dovetail shaped tongue 213 along its cutting edgeand for ward face for registration with the corresponding dovetailgroove 211. Accordingly, when the press platens move toward one another,the grooves 211 and tongues 213 cooperate to cut a dovetail shapedgroove 217 (FIG. 98) along the rear edge of the plate P which is beingcut from the stock, leaving a dovetail projection 219 on the forwardedge of the stock. Upon continued movement of the platens towards oneanother, the plate is constrained from movement by the engagement of itsdovetail groove along the corresponding tongue 213 carried by the fixedblade. A magnet 223 is pro vided in the upper platen to prevent the cutplate from bending away from the platen. Each tongue 213 is spaced fromthe inside face of the correspondingplate 190 or 192. Thus, the plate isheld by the dovetail projection 213 until the shearing action iscomplete and until just prior to initial penetration of its teeth intothe joint. The plate is held by magnet 223 throughout the cutting andembedment operations. This ensures that the plate does not move from itsintended location in the joint after being cut and prior to fullembedment. The platens alternatively may be provided with spring biasedplungers which straddle each plate on its opposite sides.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a schematic diagram of apneumatic circuit for the feed, stop, and clamp assemblies. Thepneumatic circuitry is identical for each press assembly including theclamping and pilot cylinders as well as the lumber stops and clamps onopposite sides of the conveyor centerline. The pneumatic circuit foreach press assembly and the clamps and stops associated therewith areillustrated within the dash lines. As illustrated, there is provided anair source 253 connected in parallel via a conduit 255 with fivefour-way, five-port, two-position solenoid actuated spring return valves25415, 256, 258, 254R and 300. For brevity of description, the left andright hand circuit elements corresponding to the left and right handpress assemblies and the clamps and stops associated therewith areidentified with reference numberals having letter suffixes L and Rrespectively. Valves 254L and 254R serve to provide air to the left andright pilot, stock clamp, and feed cylinders 156; 183; 182; and 124respectively on opposite sides of the machine. Valve 256 provides air toweb stops 102 and 105. Valve 258 provides air to chord stops 197 andvalve 300 provides air to the lumber clamp cylinders 34. As illustrated,valves 254L and 254R are spring biased into the illustrated positionwherein air is delivered to pilot cylinders 156 via conduits 259, 260,262 and 264 to maintain the pilot cylinders in a retracted position withthe pilot pins engaged between the teeth of the stock. Conduits 260 and274 flow through a four-way two-position solenoid actuated springreturned valve 265 for purposes described hereinafter. Valves 254L and254R also communicate air via lines 266, 268, 270 and 272 to theclamping cylinders and 182 to maintain the latter in a retractedposition. Air is also provided via flow control valve 271 and a timedelay 273 to feed cylinder 124 to maintain it in a retracted position.It will be appreciated that the opposite sides of the various cylindersare exhausted to a reservoir via conduits which will now be described inconnection with the actuation of the various cylinders.

Upon energization of the stock feed solenoids 326L and 326R associatedwith valves 254L and 254R respectively, the valves are shifted toprovide air via conduits 275, 274, 276, and 278 to extend the pilotcylinders 156 whereby the pilot pins 152 are retracted from between theteeth of the stock. Air is also provided upper and lower clampingcylinders 180 and 182 respectively via conduits 280, 282and 284 toextend grippers 176 and 178 whereby the upper and lower stock is clampedbetween the grippers and the jaws 168 and 170 respectively. Air is alsoprovided feed cylinder 124 via conduit 280, flow control valve 286, anda time delay valve 288 to extend its piston whereby clamping assembly128 and the stock clamped thereto is advanced. The opposite sides of thevarious pilot, clamp and feed cylinders communicate with a reservior vaithe previously described conduits 268, 270, 266, 262, 264, 260 and 259when the solenoids 326 are energized.

In the rest position, valve 256 provides air to web stops 102 and 105via conduits 290 and 292 whereby the stops are maintained in an extendedposition. Upon energization of the web stop solenoid 353, valve 256shifts to provide air via conduits 294 and 295 to the op posite sides ofstop cylinders 102 and'l05 whereby stops 103 and 107 are retracted.Valve 258 is illustrated in a position providing air to the chord stopcylinders 197 via conduits 296 and 297. When the chord stop solenoid 354associated with valve 258 is energized, valve 258 shifts to provide airvia conduits 298 and 299 to the opposite ends of cylinders 197 toretract the stops 199.

Valve 300 is connected via a conduit 301 with the air supply. In theillustrated position, valve 300 supplies air to exhaust ports, which areplugged. Cylinders 34 and 34 are spring biased to maintain their clampheads in a retracted position. Upon energization of the solenoid 311associated with valve 300, the latter shifts to supply air via conduit302 to each set of cylinders 34 and 34' to extend the heads 36, 36against the side chords and clamp the latter against, the web ends. Upondeenergization of solenoid 311, the spring returns the valve to theillustrated position with air being supplied to the plugged exhaustports. ,Theclamp heads then spring back to their retracted position.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a hydraulic circuit for thepress cylinders 214 and 215 on each of the press assemblies. A variabledisplacement pump 230 supplies fluid from a reservoir 232 via a conduit235 and through a directional control valve 236 to one side of the presscylinders 214 and 216 to maintain the press platens in a retractedposition. Particularly, conduit 234 connects with a conduit 238connected in parallel with the press cylinders on opposite sides of themachine via conduit 240 and 242. The opposite side of the presscylinders are connected via conduits 241, 243 with a flow divider 244via relief valves 245 in each of lines 241 and 243. A conduit 246communicates between the flow divider 242 and a reservoir 232 via valve236. A pressure actuated switch 314 lies in communication with conduit246.

Motor 64 is connected between the reservoir 232 and motor 230 via aconduit 248, motor 64 running continuously and stalling when the chordsbutt the web stops 107. In operation, hydraulic fluid isprovided upperand lower press cylinders 214 and 216 by motor 230 and conduits 238.,240 and 242. Upon energization of solenoid 310 associated with valve236, the latter valve shifts to supply fluid to the flow divider 244 andto the press cylinders 214 and 126 via conduits 243 and 241 to extendthe press platens carried thereby. Flow divider 244 serves to equalizethe pressure of the fluid supplied the press cylinders to ensure uniformpressing action. Fluid flow returns to reservoir 232 fromthe oppositesides of cylinders 214 and 216 via conduits 240,

242, 238 and 246. Upon completion of the pressing action, the solenoid310 is de-energized whereupon valve 236 is spring returned to theillustrated position. Fluid again flows to the press cylinders 21.4 and216 via conduits 238, 240 and 242 to retract the platens and maintainthem in a retracted position.

Referring now to FIG. 12 which isa schematic representation of anelectrical control circuit for the fabrieating machine hereof, thecircuit is divided intoseveral parts by dashed lines which indicate thefunctions of the circuitry enclosed by the dashed lines. The cir-' cuitis illustrated in a detached contact mode wherein the various relaysrepresented by circles open and close associated contacts in a manner tobe described, normally open and closed contacts being denoted by thepairs of parallel lines and the slashed pairs of parallel lines,respectively except where such notation is designated a switch. Thecontacts have numeral suffixes corresponding to the numeral suffixes oftheir actuating relay, the second numeral suffix indicating a particularcontact. As noted previously, the electrical circuit has been divided bythe dashed lines according to the various functions performed by thecomponents thereof; the circuitry components. within the dashed lineindicated 304 controlling the pressing operation including the lumberclamps, the components within the dashed line indicated 305 controllingthe feeding of the stock to the press assembly including the feed clampstherefor; and the components within, the dashed line indicated 306controlling the chord and web stops.

117 volts 6O cycle current is provided across lines 307 and 309 by asuitable power source P and which power source also provides power forhydraulic motors 64 and 230. Connected across the power source in line311 is a power-on light 502, which indicates that the unit is energized.In line 309, there is provideda start switch 501. Connected in seriesacross the power supply by a line 313 is a load solenoid 361, a fuse 312and normally open contacts 315 which form part of a load switch 359.Connected in series by aline 315 is a press solenoid 310 and a fuse 317,line 315 connecting these elements across the power supply via normallyopen contacts 319 which form another part of the load' vided a resetswitch 329. A chord sensor switch 350 I and normally open contacts [(2-3are connected in parallel across the power supply by lines 331 and 333,a

fuse 335 and the chord stop solenoid 354 being connectedin series inlead line 333. Also connected in series across the power supply by aline 337 is the nor-. mally open contact 314b of nail pressure switch314, a fuse 339 and a web stop solenoid 353. Contacts 314a and 31419 aremechanically linked whereby the closing of one set of contacts opens theother set. Line 341 connects relay K2, normally open contacts K2-1, and

a normally closed web limit switch 338 across the power supply. Line 342connects'with line 337 between normally open contacts 31417 and fuse 339and with line 341 between relay K2 and contacts K2-1. A normally opennailing switch 318 is disposed in line 321 and a nail enabling light 503is connected by line 347 between lines 321 and 309. Connected in seriesacross the power supply by line 351 are the normally open contacts 322aand 322a of the right and left hand platen limit switch 322, normallyopen contact K3-3, a fuse 349 and the left and right hand stock feedsolenoids 326L and 426R which are connected in parallel one with theother. A line 355 connects with line 351 between contact K3-3 and platenlimit switch 322, line 355 being connected to line 321 between thenailswitch 318 and light 503. Line 357 connects across the power supplyrelay K3, and normally open contacts 322); and 322b' of the platen limitswitch, the contacts 322a and 322a being mechanically connected tocontacts 322b and 322b' respectively. Connected in parallel across theplaten limit switch 322 and by a line 359 is a normally open contactK3-1 and a feed limit switch having normally closed parallel connectedcontact sets.

The power-on light 502 indicates that power is available to the circuit.In operation, the start switch 501 is closed to provide power acrosslines 307 and 309. In this rest condition of the circuit with the powerapplied across lines 307 and 309, it will be appreciated that relays K1,K2 and K3, load solenoid 361, press solenoid 310, clamp solenoid 31 1,chord and web stop solenoids 354 and 353, respectively, and the left andright hand stock feed solenoids are de-energized. The nail enablinglight 503 is lighted by power supplied across lines 351, 355, and 347.To operate the nailing circuit, the nail switch 318 is momentarilydepressed to energize relay K1 through lines 351, 355, 321 and 327.Energization of relay K1 closes normally open contact K1-3 to complete aholding circuit for relay Kl through line 326 and 327 and normallyclosed contact 314a. Energization of relay K1 also closes normally opencontact K1-1 whereby press solenoid 310 is energized through lines 321and 315 and clamp solenoid 311 is energized through lines 321 and 327.At the completion of the pressing operation, the pressure actuatedswitch 314 opens normally closed contacts 3140 to deenergize the holdingcircuit for relay K1 which, upon de-energization, returns contacts Kl-land K1-3 to their normally open positions. Opening contact Kl-3de-energizes the press and clamp solenoids 310 and 31 1, respectively,whereupon the platens are returned to their normal positions and theframe is released in a manner to be described.

When the hydraulic pressure builds up in the press cylinders, normallyopen contacts 314b of nail pressure switch 314 close to energize relayK2 through lines 343 and 341 and to energize web stop solenoid 353through line 337. Energization of relay K-2 closes normally opencontacts K2-3 and K2-1. Closing contacts K2-l completes a holdingcircuit for relay K2 throughnormally closed web limit switch 338 andline 341. Closing contact K2-3 energizes chord stop solenoid 354. Thus,by energizing the chord and web stop solenoids 354 and 353 respectively,all stops are retracted. Upon advancement of a partially completed framethrough the machine as hereafter more particularly described, the weblimit switch 338 is opened de-energizing relay K2 which returns contactsK2-1 and K2-3 to their normally open positions and thereby de-energizingsolenoids 353 and 354 allowing the stops to extend. However, if a chordof the partially completed frame is sensed by chord sensor switch 350,switch 350 closes to maintain chord stop solenoid 354 energized throughline 331 and 333 whereby the chord stop is maintained retracted.

It will be recalled that, upon movement of the press platens toward oneanother, the normally open platen contacts 32212 and 3221; closedenergizing relay K3 which in turn closes normally open contacts K3-1 andK3-3 and opens normally closed contact K3-2. Opening normally closedcontact K3-2 de-energizes the nail enabling light 503 and also turns offthe nailing command circuit. Closing normally open contact K3-lcompletes a holding circuit for relay K3 through lines 359 and 357 andthe normally closed feed limit switch 320. Closing contacts K3-3,however, does not complete the circuit to the stock feed solenoids 326Rand 326L as contacts 322a and 322a of the platen limit switch are heldopen until the platens return to their retracted positions. Upon itsreturn, contacts 322a and 322a return to their normally closed positionthereby energizing the stock feed solenoids 326R and 326L through line351. At the end of the stock feed stroke, the normally closed contacts320 of the feed limit switch open to deenergize relay K3.De-energization of relay K3 returns contacts K3-1 and K3-3 to theirnormally open positions whereupon the stock feed solenoids 326R and 326Lare de-energized and normally closed K3-3 contacts close, lighting thenail enable light and this in turn powers the nail command circuit.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated a reel on whichthe stock can be coiled. Each reel includes a hub 109 and a pair ofspaced side plates 110 for confining the stock. A releasably mounted pin400 extends transversely between side plates 110 at a location of thereel closely adjacent hub 109. Prepunched stock can be fed from the diedirectly to the reel and wound thereabout by rotating the reel at aspeed proportional to the advance of the stock from the die, the drivemeans for rotating the reel not being shown. Particularly, the stock isfed between the hub 109 and pin 400 with the teeth 402 of the stockprojecting radially outwardly to engage the pin upon rotation of thereel to wind the stock thereabout. After'winding the stock on the reel,it is cut and secured ready for shipment and/or use with the machinehereof. The pin 400 is removed after the reel is mounted on the machinewhereby the entire stock can be unwound from the coil and fed to themachine.

As an example of the foregoing, a 1.5 inch width of 20 US. StandardGauge stock can be coiled in lengths of about 152 feet and weigh about30 pounds whereby the coils of stock can be loaded into the machinemanually.

OPERATION To operate the machine, the start switch 501 is closed toprovide power to the electrical circuits illustrated in FIG. 12 withinthe dashed boxes 304, 305 and 306, the light 502 indicating that poweris available. When these circuits are energized, the machine is at restwith the stock feed cylinder 124 retracted, the pilot cylinders 156retracted with the pilot pins in the passages 146 and 148, the upper andlower clamp cylinders 20 and 182 retracted and the nail enable lightlit. At rest, relays K1, K2 and K3 are de-energized and normally opencontact K3-3 maintains stock feed solenoids 326L and 326R deenergizedand the valves 2541. and 2541. respectively associated therewith in theposition illustrated in FlG. 10. Hydraulic valve 236 lies in theillustrated position in FIG. 11 and the lumber clamps are retractedsince normally open contact Kl-l and nail switch 318 prevent solenoid311 from being energizedThe web stop solenoid 353 is maintaineddeenergized through normally open contacts K2-1 and 3141: and valve 256supplies air to web stop cylinders 102 and 105 whereby stops 103 and 107are maintained extended into the path of movement of the webs. However,without lumber on the machine, sensor switch 350 senses the lack of achord on conveyor section 18, and thus remains open maintaining chordstop solenoid 354 in a de-energized condition and the chord stops 199extended. The machine is now ready for loading.

The arbors 108 are placed within reel hubs 109 and the reels containingthe coiled connector stock are placed on the upper and lower supportbrackets 76 and 78 on opposite sides of the machine with the pins 106 inslots 104. The reels are thus mounted for rotation but achieve apendulum effect which prevents the reels from rotating of their ownaccord once the stock is fed to the machine. Load switch 359 is rotatedto close contacts 315 thereby energizing solenoid 361. Energization ofsolenoid 361 shifts valve 265 to the left in FIG. 10 whereby air isprovided cylinders 156 to extend r the pistons and withdraw the pilotpins from passages 146 and 148. Rotation of load switch 359 alsoclosescontacts 319 thereby energizing the press solenoid 310. Energization ofsolenoid 310 causes the press platens to move toward one another into afully extended position blocking the ends of passages 19.8 and 200.Note,

that open contacts Kl-l prevent the nail pressure switch from causingthe platens to return. The coiled stock from the upper reel is then fedbetween table 120, roller 134, through passage 146 in guide 118, throughthe comb-like tines 172 of the jaw 168 in clamp assembly 128, throughpassage 197 in the press head and through the tines of the fixed cuttingedge 194 into abutment against the press platen 72. Likewise, the coiledstock from the lower reel is fed between the lower table 122, roller 136through passage 148, through the tines 174 of lower jaw 170, throughpassage 200, through the tines of the lower fixed cutting blade 196 andinto abutment against the lower platen 74 between the plunger pins 221.Load switch 359 is then rotated to de-energize solenoid 361 whichreturns valve 265 to the position illustrated in FIG. 10 therebyreturning the platens to their retracted positions. Also, upon movementof the press platens, contacts 32212 and 322b' close to energize relayK3 which closes contacts K3-3 but which does not energize the stock feedsolenoids since contacts 322a are open. Return of the platens closescontact 322a and 322a" to energize the stock feed solenoids 326R and326L through line 351 and the closed contact K-3. Upon energization ofthe stock feed solenoids, the pilot cylinders 156 extend to withdrawpins 152 from passages 146 and l48,the cylinders 180 and 182 extend toclamp against the stock and the feed cylinder 124 advances the stock apredetermined distance between the press platens. While the feedassembly as illustrated provides for maximum feed, it will beappreciated that sleeves of predetermined length can be disposed on therods 162 whereby the stroke of the feed assembly can be limited to apredetermined length as desired. Thus,

selected lengths of connector plates can be cut in a manner to be setforth from the stock fed into the machine. At the end of the feedstroke, feed limit switch 320 opens to de-energise relay 14-3 andthereby return contact K3-3 to its normally open position whereuponthefeed solenoids are de-energized. Upon spring return of valves 254Rand 254L, the pilot cylinders retract to insert pins 152 between theteeth of the stock, the clamp cylinders retract, and the feed cylinderretracts after a time delay. Particularly, the pins 152 are insortedbetween a pair of transverse rows of teeth to ad just the longitudinalposition of the stock in the press and also to hold the stock duringshearing. Also, the pilot pins longitudinally adjust the location of theconnector stock such that the teeth thereof are not aligned at thecutting blades. This prevents attempted shearing of the plate at thelocation of its teeth. If this was not prevented, the teeth per so mightbe sheared rendering I them ineffective (as they would buckle uponattempted embedment in the wooden members). Also, the teeth might notshear at all as there is no reaction surface un-, derlying the teeth forthe movable cutting blade to act against due to the tines carried by thefixed cutting blade. The tines are, of course, necessary to guide thestock. Thus, the pilot pins ensure that the cut through the stock ismade at a location between the teeth and only through the plate portionof the stock and not its teeth. The machine is now ready for a pressingoperation.

With reference to P16. 15, a pair of precut chords C are disposed ontable conveyor sections 18. The chords are then moved longitudinallyalong conveyor sections 18 into abutment with chords stops 199 asillustrated in FIG. 15a. A pair of prccut web members W1 and W2 are thendisposed between chords C on conveyor table section 18 and the first webW1 is manually moved forwardly into abutment against the raised webstops 103. The second web W2 is spaced behind first web W1 a distance ofabout one foot (FIG. 16b). With the webs and chords thus positioned asin FIG. 15b, the operator depresses nail switch 318 to energize relay K1and clamp solenoid 31 1, which closes normally open contact 141-3 toprovide a holding circuit for relay K1 and clamp solenoid 311, andcloses normally open contact Kl-l whereby press solenoid 310 isenergized. Energization of clamp solenoid 311 causes valve 300 to shiftwhereby air is supplied clamp cylinders 32 and 32 to extend clamp heads'36 and 36' carried thereby. Clamp heads 36 and 36' thus engage theouter facm the chords and press the chords against the endsof wri Wl.Energization of press solenoid 310 shifts valve 23a to supply hydraulicfluid to upper and nwer press cylinders 214 and 126, respectively, viathe flow divider 244 whereby press platens72 and 74 are moved toward oneanother.

Upon movement of platens 72 and 74 toward one another, the portions ofthe strip extending beyond the fixed cutting blades 194 and 196 areengaged by the platens and the movement of cutting blades 218 and 220past blades 194 and 196 sever connector plates P from the stock S asillustrated in FIG. 9. Am iniportan:v feature hereof is the reactionforce provided by tht tines of the fixed blades whereby the stock ismaintained rigid at the location of its cut. The connector plates .1thus out are carried by platens 72 and 74 towardone another and theteeth 402 thereof are embedded into the upperand lower sides of thejoint formed by the chords and first web located previously betweenplatens 72 and 74 by stops 199 and 103. See FIG. c. Upon full embedmentof the teeth the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic circuit builds upand actuates pressure switch 314 to open contacts 314a. Thisde-energizes the holding circuit for relay K1 whereupon contacts K1-1and K1-3 return to their normally open position de-energizing presssolenoid 310 and clamp solenoid 31 1. Valve 236 thus shifts to supplyhydraulic fluid to the press cylinders 214 and 216 to move the platens72 and 74 away from one another and away from the completed joint. Airvalve 300 also shifts to retract lumber clamps 32 and 32.

Actuation of pressure switch 314 also closes contacts 314!) to energizerelay K2 and web stop solenoid 353. Energization of relay K2 closesnormally open contact K2-3. K2 is maintained energized by a holdingcircuit through contact K2-l. Closing contact K2-3 energizes chord stopsolenoid 354. Energization of solenoids 353 and 354 causes valves 256and 258, respectively, to shift whereby air is supplied to the web stopcylinders 102 and 105 and the chord stop cylinders 197 thereby toretract stops 103, 107 and 199, respectively carried thereby.

The partially completed frame is then manually advanced (FIG. 15d) belowpower roller 16 which thereafter carries the partially completed frameforwardly. Upon advancement of the partially completed frame, web W1momentarily opens web limit switch 338 to deenergize the holding circuitfor relay K2 whereupon contact K2-1 is returned to its normally openposition de-energizing web stop solenoid 353 and causing web stops 103and 107 to be extended. In advancing the partial frame, the chords areadvanced to engage and close the chord sensor switch 350 causingcontinued energization of the chord stop solenoid 354 through line 331and hence continued retraction of stop 199. The partially completedframe continues to advance until web W1 butts extended stops 107.Extended web stops 103 catch and retain the second web in the positionillustrated in FIGS. 15d and 15e whereupon it becomes aligned with thetrailing ends of the chords.

After the press platens 72 and 74 are retracted, the retracted platenswitch 322 returns contacts 322a and 322a to their normally closedposition and contacts 32212 and 32212 to their normally open position.

It will be recalled that initially relay K3 was not energized. Uponinitial movement of the platens, toward one another, however, contacts32212 and 3221) close and energize relay K3. Contacts K3-1 hold relay K3energized through the normally closed contacts of feed complete switch320. Normally closed contacts K3-2 open upon energizing relay K3 anddisconnect the nail switch 318 from the nail feed circuitry and from itssource of power, preventing nailing and turning off the nail enablelight 503. The normally open contacts K3-3 close upon energizing relayK3 and provide a path from the stock feed solenoids 326R and 326L to thenow open platen retracted limit switches 322a and 322a. This locks thenail feed circuit so that when the platens retract, and the platen limitswitch 322 is in its normal position, nail feed solenoids 326L and 326Rare energized through contacts 322a and 322a and closed contact K3-3.consequently, upon return of platen switch 322 to its normal position,the stock feed solenoids 326R and 326L are energized to shift valves 254to supply air to the pilot cylinders 156 and the upper and lower clampcylinders and 182. The upper stock is clamped between grippers 186 andjaw 168 while the lower stock is clamped between gripper 184 and jaw170. It will be noted that the clamping action is only on the surface ofthe plate and not against the teeth because of the tines in jaws 168 and170, respectively. Also, the pilot cylinder pistons extend to retractthe pilot pins 152 from between the longitudinally adjacent transverserows of teeth. With the stock clamped and properly located relative tothe cutting edges, feed cylinder 124 advances after a slight time delayto advance the stock a distance beyond the fixed cutting edges equal tothe distance of the stroke of cylinder 124 (which may be adjusted byinserting one or more sleeves of selected length about rods 162). Uponcompletion of the feed stroke, normally closed feed limit switch 320 ismomentarily opened thereby deenergizing relay K3 and opening normallyclosed contact K3-3 and closing normally closed contact K3-2, whereuponstock feed solenoids 326L and 326R are de-energized. Power is alsosupplied to nail switch 318 and nail enable light 503. This enables thenail circuit for subsequent nailing. Upon de-energization of solenoids326R and 326L, valve 254 spring returns to the position illustrated inFIG. 10 whereupon the pilot cylinder pistons retract to insert the pilotpins between the transverse rows of teeth of the advanced stock, theupper and lower clamp cylinders retract to release the stock and thefeed cylinder retracts to release the stock and the feed cylinderretracts to withdraw the clamp assembly 128 to the dashed line positionillustrated with FIG. 4 preparatory for another feed.

It will be appreciated that the pilot pins are inserted prior toretraction of the clamp assembly. As noted previously, the pilot pinsserve to adjust the longitudinal location of the connector stock, asnecessary, to avoid alignment of the teeth with the cutting edges. Whenthe clamp assembly is retracted, the pilot pins thus longitudinallyadjust the location of the stock relative to the cutting blades and alsohold it in such position until the pins are again retracted after thenext cut is made.

Since the partially completed frame is now located in position forapplying connector plates to the joint between the second web W2 and thetrailing endsof the chord, nail switch 318 is again depressed and thepress heads 72 and 74 substantially simultaneously shear connectorplates from the connector strip and embed the teeth thereof into theopposite sides of the joint on each side of the frame. Upon retractionof the press platens, the feed mechanism again operates to locatedpredetermined lengths of connector stock beyond the fixed cutting bladesbetween the press platens and the completed frame is advanced along theconveyor away from the machine by the power roller. Upon removal of thecompleted frame, the chord sensor switch 350 opens to de-energizesolenoid 354 whereupon the chord stops are extended. The machine is thusready for the fabrication of a second frame. It will be recalled thatstops 103 and 107 are returned to their extended positions by themomentary opening of the web limit switch 338 which permitsde-energization of the web stop solenoid 353.

From the foregoing description of the present invention it will beappreciated that the object of the invention are fully accomplished inthat there is provided both a novel and unique industrial product in theform of a reel carrying connector stock coiled about the reel,

the stock having prepunched integral teeth projecting radially outwardlyfrom one side thereof, as well as a fabricating machine in which theconnector stock is fed from the reel for cutting to appropriate lengthsto form connector plates and embedment of the plates thus formed intothe opposite sides of the wooden joint. The problems encountered by asupplier of connector plates as well as those encountered by thefabricators of frames are minimized or eliminated by the unique methodsand apparatus hereof for handling a product of this type. For example,the supplier of the connector stock need only wind the connector stockonto reels as its emerges from die cutting and nail punching machinesand ship the reel to the fabricator. This eliminates the handlingproblems associated with packing the individual connector plates aspreviously done in the past. Likewise, the fabricator eliminates anyhandling of individual connector plates as shipped to him by a supplier.That is, the reels can be readily stored when received from the supplierand applied to the ma chinelwithout individual handling of any one ormore of the connector plates.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the fabricating machine hereof isuniquely compatible with the coiled connector stock. The fabricatingmachine cuts the stock to the appropriate length as it is fed from thereel and substantially simultaneously embeds the teeth of the connectorplate thus formed to the joint formed by the wooden member. Also, themachine provides a substantially automated operation in the formation ofa frame in that an operator is required only to feed the appropriatewooden members into the machine and need not concern himself with thespotting and location of the various connector plates as donepreviously. From the foregoing, it will also be appreciated thatconnector plates of various lengths can be handled by the machine hereofsimply by shortening the stroke of the feed cylinder by theinterposition of one or more sleeves on the guide rods. Also, thepassages'through the machine can handle connector stock of variouswidths since the stock is laterally guided by the engagement of thestock teeth between the tines. Further, the fabricating machine hereofis adapted to fabricate a wide variety of wooden frames, panels and thelike in eluding but not limited to' trusses, truss-type floor joists andside framing panels for wooden building construction. Also, the machineis not limited to an orientation of the coiled stock and plates normalto the direction of movement of the frames undergoing fabrication. Thatis, the machine can be oriented such that the. coiled stock is fed in adirection parallel to the direction of movement of the frames undergoingfabrication and may for example be utilized to form splice joints inelongated frame members.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrativeand not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by United StatesLetters Patent is: I

1. An industrial productcomprising a reel having a hub and supportstructure disposed adjacent one end of said hub and extending radiallyoutwardly therefrom,

the extent of said coiled connector strip and leaving a plurality inexcess of two of longitudinally extending laterally spaced rows of slotsin said sheet metal strip from which said teeth are struck, with thetips of the teeth in at least intermediate windings of said colied,

strip bearing against the sheet metal stock in the next adjacent windingof said coiled strip.

2. The product according to claim 1 including an element spaced fromsaid hub and extending from said support structure in a directiongenerally parallel to the axis of said reel, said element and, said reeldefining a passage therebetween of radial extent greater than one toothlength for receiving the inner end of said coiled connector stock, theinner end of saidst'ock engaging said element to maintain the inner endof said stock at a generally fixed circumferential location about saidreel.

3. The product according to claim 2 wherein said ele ment comprises apin releasably engageable through said support structure.

4. The product according to claim 1 wherein said.

support structure includes a pairof generally parallel side platesconfining said coiled strip of connector plate stock therebetween.

5. A product according to claim '1 wherein said teeth are struck toproject radially outwardly from said one side of the coiled stock withthe tips of the teeth in each underlying winding bearing against andsupporting the sheet metal stock in the next adjacent overlying windingof said coiled strip.

6. The product according to claim 5 including a pin spaced from said huband extending from said support structure in a direction generallyparallel to the axis of said reel, said pin and said reel defining apassage therebetween of radial extent greater than one tooth length forreceiving the inner end of said coiled connector stock, said teethengaging said pin to maintain the inner end of said stock at a generallyfixed circumferential location about said reel.

7. The product according to claim 6 wherein said support structureincludes a pair of generally parallel side plates confining said coiledstrip of connector plate stock therebetween.

1. An industrial product comprising a reel having a hub and supportstructure disposed adjacent one end of said hub and extending radiallyoutwardly therefrom, an elongated strip of sheet metal connector stockcoiled about said hub and supported endwise at one end by said supportstructure, said connector stock strip having a plurality of elongatednail-like teeth struck integrally therefrom to form a plurality inexcess of two of longitudinally extending laterally spaced rows of teethsubstantially uniformly distributed throughout the extent of said coiledconnector strip and leaving a plurality in excess of two oflongitudinally extending laterally spaced rows of slots in said sheetmetal strip from which said teeth are struck, with the tips of the teethin at least intermediate windings of said colied strip bearing againstthe sheet metal stock in the next adjacent winding of said coiled strip.2. The product according to claim 1 including an element spaced fromsaid hub and extending from said support structure in a directiongenerally parallel to the axis of said reel, said element and said reeldefining a passage therebetween of radial extent greater than one toothlength for receiving the inner end of said coiled connector stock, theinner end of said stock engaging said element to maintain the inner endof said stock at a generally fixed circumferential location about saidreel.
 3. The product according to claim 2 wherein said element comprisesa pin releasably engageable through said support structure.
 4. Theproduct according to claim 1 wherein said support structure includes apair of generally parallel side plates confining said coiled strip ofconnector plate stock therebetween.
 5. A product according to claim 1wherein said teeth are struck to project radially outwardly from saidone side of the coiled stock with the tips of the teeth in eachunderlying winding bearing against and supporting the sheet metal stockin the next adjacent overlying winding of said coiled strip.
 6. Theproduct according to claim 5 including a pin spaced from said hub andextending from said support structure in a direction generally parallelto the axis of said reel, said pin and said reel defining a passagetherebetween of radial extent greater than one tooth length forreceiving the inner end of said coiled connector stock, said teethengaging said pin to maintain the inner end of said stock at a generallyfixed circumferential location about said reel.
 7. The product accordingto claim 6 wherein said support structure includes a pair of generallyparallel side plates confining said coiled strip of connector platestock therebetween.